







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Yes, it was quite easy, actually, I live very close by. | |
| Hello guys, is it possible to make a little less noise? | |
| Do you want to bet on it? | |
| You are so realistic dear, where is your wedding ring? | |
| But it has expired and it has a hole in it. | |
| But he hisses occasionally, is it normal? | |
| Do you like train rides, too? | |
| Do you want me to put it in the bin? | |
| Yes, he definitely doesn't like changing places. | |
| Umm, you can tell them it's our wedding anniversary. | |
| I'm calling him now then, do you want anything else? | |
| I mean, you look too young to be a teacher. | |
| Do you remember the pub's name? | |
| Girls, this is Diego. | |
| I'm an English teacher. | |
| I don't like going to hospitals, either. | |
| Erm... They pay 170 weekly. | |
| I will ask him to take Bear out, so we can have breakfast. | |
| I guess so, but I want to finish seeing all the houses today. | |
| I don't know, maximum 33? | |